Other conditions decisions — 2007

The appellant's service with the Philippine Army is not considered qualifying service for nonservice-connected pension benefits due to lack of documentation from the service department.

The veteran's service did not occur during a recognized period of war, making him ineligible for nonservice-connected pension benefits.

The veteran is granted a disability evaluation of 40 percent for his service-connected myeloproliferative disorder with thrombocytosis from January 13, 2000 to July 13, 2004.

The veteran's claim for non-service-connected disability pension is denied as he does not meet the eligibility criteria under VA regulations.

The Board has decided to remand the case for additional development and notification, including informing the appellant of what evidence is needed to reopen her claim.

The veteran died of a nonservice-connected condition and is buried in a private cemetery. The appellant's claims for nonservice-connected burial benefits and accrued benefits are denied as the veteran did not meet the criteria for these benefits at the time of his death.

The veteran's claim for educational assistance benefits for his on-the-job police officer training program from June 20, 2001 to June 20, 2003 is denied as there is no basis upon which to grant the benefits under VA regulations.

The Board found that the veteran's medical treatment at Mercy Medical Center on September 7 to September 8, 2003 was for a medical emergency of such nature that delay would have been hazardous to life or health and VA facilities were not feasibly available. Therefore, payment or reimbursement for unauthorized medical expenses incurred during this period is granted.

The veteran's right thumb fracture is currently rated at 10 percent disabling, and the Board has determined that a higher rating is not warranted.

The Board has denied the veteran's claims for higher ratings for varicose veins of both legs, finding that there is no evidence of persistent edema or subcutaneous induration, stasis pigmentation or eczema, and persistent ulceration.

The VA determined that the veteran's current dental disability is not related to his service and thus denied his claim for service connection.

The Board found that the veteran's memory problems are not due to an undiagnosed illness, but rather a symptom of her diagnosed psychiatric condition (not service-connected). Therefore, the claim for service connection is denied.

The Board has remanded the case for further examination to determine the severity of the veteran's right groin flap revision residuals and their impact on his ability to work.

The veteran claims that VA-prescribed medication caused him to develop a self-mutilation disorder. The Board finds additional development is necessary, including obtaining treatment records and an opinion from Dr. Lader.

The Board has determined that the veteran's left knee disability does not warrant a higher rating from March 14, 2000 to April 13, 2005. The evidence shows full range of motion and no instability.

The veteran's income for the year 2003 exceeded the threshold amount required for treatment in the VA health care system without a copayment, and his eligibility status was changed to 'copayment required'. As a result, the appeal is denied.

The Board found that the veteran's metastatic breast cancer is related to exposure to organic solvents and refrigerants in service, specifically carbon tetrachloride and trichloroethylene.

The Board denied the claim for service connection for the cause of death due to radiation exposure during Operation Crossroads and asbestos exposure in service, finding no evidence linking these exposures to the veteran's conditions.

The VA denied the veteran's claim for an initial compensable rating for retroperitoneal fibrosis, finding that his disability did not meet the criteria for a higher evaluation.

The Board found that the veteran's recurrent nose bleeds were incurred during service and granted service connection.